“I think you need to watch your language when you’re in a position like that.”

Topinka told a lunch gathering of the Sangamon County Republican Network that she also opposes more borrowing.

But asked later about Rutherford’s comments, Topinka said, “I think one always has to be careful as a fiduciary officer of the state because words do carry weight, and they can have long-term effects fiscally on this state, which is already suffering.”

Asked if she was being critical of Rutherford, Topinka responded, “I’m saying what I said.”

Melissa Hahn, spokeswoman for Rutherford, said “we’ll see what happens this weekend” about borrowing as the General Assembly works to pass a budget.

“It’s still important that the treasurer point out this increasing debt load on our taxpayers,” Hahn said.